232 CHAPTER 3
more popular. This distribution suggests that seaxes were not unusual weap-
ons for the Avars, despite their being imported from the western territories.241
Seaxes were usually accompanied by arrowheads, being a common combi-
nation from the Early phase to the end of the Late phase. Their association with
spears was also quite frequent during the Late phase in burials with horses.
Seaxes of the Late phase are usually known from cemeteries where sabres
and single-edged swords were also found.242 The proportion of these three
weapon types from a number of examined cemeteries, presented in the follow-
ing diagram, suggests that long seaxes were a common part of Avar weaponry.
2 The Fitttings of Edged Weapons
2.1 The Hilt
The form and decoration of the hilt is an important attribute for determining
the use of edged weapons, since it correlates with the centre of gravity of the
weapon and the effectiveness of the cut. Three main positions of the hilt can
be distinguished: 1. hilt at the edge, 2. hilt at the back of the blade and 3. hilt
241 Szőke 1992, 95; Szőke 1999, 85.
242 The distribution of long seaxes in the plan of the Devínska Nová Ves cemetery is shown in
map LVI.
DIAGRAM 7 Distribution of various edged weapons in Late Avar cemeteries.024681012seax
sabre
single-edged sword